Charlotte Wakefield, BSc Biological Sciences

In 'Hear from our students'

'...course gave me a good start in pursuing an environmental career that encompasses all aspects of science including biology'

Charlotte Wakefield

Current role

I am currently working for the Environment Agency (EA) as a Technical Officer in the Groundwater and Contaminated Land team that is based in Exeter. Since graduating from Birmingham University my first role was within a permitting team within the EA. Here I was involved in reviewing and issuing pollution prevention and control (PPC) permits for a variety of industries. I worked within this role for approximately 2 years before returning to study at the University of Cardiff where I completed an MSc in Environmental Hydrogeology. Following my MSc I worked within an Environmental Consultancy for 4years as a consultant hydrogeologist before returning to the EA in my current role as a Technical Officer in the Groundwater and Contaminated Land team.

Outline the course you studied at the University of Birmingham and how it benefited you?

I obtained an BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences and the scientific nature and academic course gave me a good start in pursuing an environmental career that encompasses all aspects of science including biology.

I wanted to study at a campus university rather than one based within a city but it also had to have good sport facilities. I am a keen hockey player. I ultimately had to choose between Exeter and Birmingham and what swayed it for me were the halls and the lake that I could run around. Although funnily enough I never did once run around the lake!

How did you find your first year in Birmingham?

I thoroughly enjoyed my first year, settling into university life, Birmingham and the university hockey team!

How did going to University as a whole benefit you?

I developed in confidence and grew as a person after spending 3 years away from home plus I also improved my hockey skills!

How did you find campus life?

The fact that Birmingham was a campus university was one of the main reason why I choose to study there. It offered the best of both in terms of a great working environment to study in but also the city centre for nights out and shopping! The Bull Ring was built towards the end of my second year.

How did you find living in Birmingham?

I enjoying living within the student community of Selly Oak .

Did you join any student societies during your studies?

I joined the hockey club and was a member of the 2ndXI team that beat Loughborough University in the BUSA 2ndXI cup final ending a long run of Loughborough wins!

Any tips to pass on to students thinking of coming here?

Effective time management is the key for enjoying all that university life can offer and also comes in very handy in future jobs and activities you may wish to take up in the future.

What are your aspirations for the future?

To continue to a gain greater knowledge and understanding within the sector I have chosen to work (Hydrogeology) with the possibility of returning to study for a PhD. One day...maybe!